Rather appropriately, the letter "R" appears today in this little journey through the alphabet.R is for Risen.
Yes, it is Easter Day and many millions of people around the world are focused upon the rolled stone which signalled something unusual had happened at the tomb of their Guru. The body was nowhere to be found.
R is for Resurrected.
Not just body is gone, (apparently up and walked out - or carried...), but at a point of variable measure later, there are claims of sightings and touchings. Restoration of physical presence.
R is for Reason.
Questioning minds have pondered upon the phenomenon and posited theories as to the practicalities of such an incidence. (Even the crucifixion, scientifically, is hard to prove, though rare evidence is available.) A large body of Christianity does not dare, need or want to doubt any aspect of the story of Christ as presented on the pages of the Bible. Then there are, as human balance demands, those who doubt at all the existence of even a societal rebel who may have been a charismatic teacher. Generally, though, history and science are in agreement that somebody lived a life which led to a movement far beyond, perhaps, his own imagining. With all legends it is said, there can be no smoke without fire.
“I don’t know any mainstream scholar who doubts the historicity of Jesus,” said Eric Meyers, an archaeologist and emeritus professor in Judaic studies at Duke University. “The details have been debated for centuries, but no one who is serious doubts that he’s a historical figure.” (National Geographic article.)
R is for Review.Regardless of one's stance upon the man who became known as the Christ, the basic tenets of his teaching actually speak to each and every human being.
1) Be merciful and
2) Be forgiving
3) Seek goodness
4) Respect others
5) Be kind
...above all be Loving.
